Exploring cross-group discrimination: Measuring the dimensions of inferiorization

We describe a theoretical framework that identifies similar themes across t he reported experiences of historically stigmatized groups. Inferiorization is a function of the confluence of stigma, context, and associated cultura l myths. A self-report measure of inferiorization was applied to college-st udent samples of African Americans, White women, gay men and lesbians, peop le with disabilities, and, as a control, a White male comparison group (tot al N = 263). Stigmatizable people tended to report more frequent inferioriz ing events than generally nonstigmatizable people. Deviations from this pat tern were explained by the contextual and stigma-related specificity of inf eriorization and the presence or absence of associated cultural myths. Infe riorization describes a general social process that remains sensitive to th e experiences of specific groups and to the contextual nature of stigmatiza tion.